10 Reasons Lake George Should Be Your Next Golf Getaway
As a golfer who has played the local courses around Lake George for over 10 years, I know the region offers more than clear water and classic summer vacations. My favorite course is Cronin’s Golf Resort in Warrensburg, a family owned course on the Hudson River that feels like a home away from home. My best golf memories, though, are the Monday twilight rounds at Hiland Park in Queensbury with friends in 2024, where we played a two on two scramble every week. With scenic courses, historic fairways, options for different skill levels, and a lot to explore between rounds, the Lake George area makes a compelling destination for a golf getaway.
At a Glance
- Course variety: Several 18-hole courses, nine-hole layouts, and a par-3 course are within a short drive of Lake George Village.
- Historic golf: Ticonderoga Golf Course dates to 1925, and The Sagamore is a Donald Ross design that opened in 1928.
- Scenic views: Top of the World Golf Resort sits on French Mountain, overlooking Lake George and Vermont’s mountains.
- Stay-and-play options: Top of the World and Cronin’s Golf Resort both offer golf and lodging on the same property.
- Fall golf: Autumn foliage adds to the scenery, but closing dates vary by course.
1. Play Golf With Adirondack Mountain and Lake Views
Some golf destinations are known for their championship layouts, while others stand out for their scenery. Around Lake George, you can enjoy both. Courses throughout the region weave through rolling terrain, wooded landscapes, and the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, giving many rounds a distinctly upstate New York feel.
For particularly memorable views, check out Top of the World Golf Resort in Lake George. Its 18-hole course sits on French Mountain, with views overlooking Lake George, the surrounding countryside, and mountains in neighboring Vermont.
Farther north along the Hudson River, Cronin's Golf Resort pairs an 18-hole, par-70 course with views of the Adirondacks and glimpses of the Hudson river alongside several fairways.
2. Find Plenty of Courses Within a Short Drive
One of the biggest advantages of planning a golf trip to Lake George is the variety of courses within reach. You can stay near Lake George Village and choose from several nearby layouts without spending your vacation driving long distances between rounds.
Options include the 18-hole Queensbury Country Club and Hiland Park Country Club, or Cronin's Golf Resort in Warrensburg. If you're looking for a shorter outing, Bay Meadows and Bend of the River Golf Club offer nine-hole rounds, while Sunnyside Par 3 provides an executive-style course focused on shorter holes.
Explore our guide to Golf Courses Within 15 Miles of Lake George >>
3. Discover Golf Courses With History and Character
Lake George's golf scene isn't just about scenic fairways. Some courses have been part of the region for generations, adding a sense of history to a golf getaway.
Ticonderoga Golf Course is a standout example. Established in 1925, this public 18-hole course sits in the historic Lord Howe Valley near Fort Ticonderoga, between Lake George and Lake Champlain. Rolling terrain, elevation changes, and mature trees give the course plenty of character while connecting a day on the links with the area's broader history.
Another historic option is The Sagamore Golf Course in Bolton Landing. Designed by renowned golf course architect Donald Ross and opened in 1928, the course pairs a classic layout with views of Lake George and the Adirondacks.
4. Enjoy Fall Foliage From the Fairways
Fall brings another reason to plan a golf getaway in the Lake George region. As the Adirondacks turn red, orange, and gold, the wooded hills and mountain scenery create a memorable backdrop for a round. It's an appealing time to visit for golfers who want to combine time on the course with a scenic fall vacation.
Courses such as Top of the World and Cronin's Golf Resort offer a chance to experience the region's natural setting while playing. At Cronin's, the Hudson River and surrounding Adirondack landscape add to the appeal of the property. Bay Meadows also offers a scenic round closer to Lake George, with wooded areas, Halfway Brook, and views of the mountains.
Since fall playing conditions and closing dates vary, check with individual courses before planning a late-season trip.
5. Pair a Morning Round With an Afternoon on the Lake
A Lake George golf getaway doesn't have to revolve around the course from morning to evening. One of the area's biggest advantages is how easily you can combine golf with the lake activities that have made the region a favorite vacation destination.
Play a morning round, then spend the afternoon relaxing at a beach, exploring the waterfront, or taking a scenic cruise on Lake George. If you're visiting with friends or family members who don't golf, this mix of activities gives everyone a way to enjoy the trip. You can build a vacation around the game without missing out on the area's signature attractions.
6. Find a Course That Fits Your Skill Level
Not every golf getaway needs to revolve around a full-length championship course. The Lake George area has options for beginners, casual golfers, and experienced players, making it easier to plan a trip for a group with different abilities or schedules.
For a shorter round, Bay Meadows Golf Club offers nine holes with three tee-box locations, allowing golfers to choose different yardages and challenges. Sunnyside Par 3 is another option for working on the short game, while Bend of the River offers a nine-hole layout with a mix of par-3s, par-4s, and a par-5.
Golfers looking for a full 18-hole round can explore Queensbury Country Club or Cronin's Golf Resort, which also has a natural-grass driving range.
Check out our Beginner's Guide to Golf >>
7. Take on Courses With Challenging Layouts
Lake George isn't just for relaxed rounds and scenic views. Golfers who enjoy testing their skills can find courses with championship layouts, varied terrain, and holes that reward careful shot selection.
Hiland Park Country Club is an 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Stephen Kay. Its three sets of tees range from about 5,000 yards to more than 6,700 yards, offering different levels of challenge. Practice facilities include a driving range, two practice greens, and a chipping area, so you can work on your game before or after a round.
For golfers who enjoy classic course design, The Sagamore offers another distinctive experience, with narrow, tree-lined fairways, deep bunkers, and undulating greens. Choosing different courses over a multi-day trip lets you experience a range of layouts rather than playing the same style of course every day.
8. Make Dinner Part of the Golf Getaway
A good meal can be one of the highlights of a golf trip, especially after a few hours on the course. Several Lake George area golf destinations make it easy to pair a round with a meal, whether you're looking for a sit-down lunch, a casual dinner, or a convenient stop before heading back to your lodging.
Bay Meadows Golf Club has Bogey's Pub & Grill on site, where golfers and other visitors can enjoy a meal overlooking the course. Top of the World also has an on-site restaurant, making it easy to stay and enjoy the mountain views after a round.
At Ticonderoga Golf Course, Seymour's Restaurant and Tap Room offers another option for golfers exploring the northern end of the region.
Browse our guide to Lake George area golf courses with restaurants >>
9. Make It a Stay-and-Play TrV
For golfers planning a weekend or several days in the area, staying close to the course can make the trip easier. You can spend less time driving, get an early start on your round, and keep the focus on relaxing and enjoying your time away.
Top of the World Golf Resort is a particularly convenient option, with an 18-hole golf course, on-site restaurant, and bed-and-breakfast lodging. The Sagamore is another notable golf destination in Bolton Landing, with its historic course near the resort property. Check current golf access and lodging arrangements when planning, as options can vary by property and season.
Cronin's Golf Resort in Warrensburg is especially well suited to this kind of getaway. The family-owned property has been welcoming visitors since 1945 and combines an 18-hole course with one-bedroom motel units and one-, two-, and three-bedroom cottages. Guests can enjoy the Adirondack setting along the Hudson River, with amenities including an outdoor pool, basketball court, rowboats, and nearby hiking opportunities. With golf and lodging on the same property, it's an appealing option for families or groups planning more than one round.
You can also choose lodging in Lake George Village or nearby Queensbury and build your own golf itinerary around several courses. That flexibility makes it possible to prioritize scenery, course difficulty, dining, or proximity to other attractions.
10. Turn Your Golf Trip Into a Full Adirondack Vacation
Perhaps the best reason to choose Lake George is that golf is only one part of what the region has to offer. Between rounds, you can explore Lake George Village, visit local shops, enjoy the waterfront, take in mountain scenery, or plan a day trip to nearby communities.
That variety makes the area a strong choice for group trips, too. Golfers can spend the day on the course while others enjoy the lake, hiking, shopping, or local attractions, then meet up for dinner and share stories from the day.
Plan Your Lake George Golf Getaway
From mountain-view rounds and historic courses to lakeside activities and memorable meals, the Lake George region offers plenty of reasons to bring your clubs on your next Adirondack vacation. Start by comparing the area's courses, then build an itinerary that matches your playing style and the kind of trip you want.
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